A nature challenge is being held across the country next week.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada hosts the fifth annual Big Backyard BioBlitz Monday, July 28 to Monday, August 4.
The initiative is open to everyone and challenges Canadians to identify and record wildlife and plant species wherever they are, whether that is in their backyard, a city park, along a hiking trail or at one of the NCC’s nature reserves.
Participants can snap a photo or make an audio recording of their findings, and upload what they capture to a database of biodiversity.
“Whether you’re a nature newbie, a budding naturalist, or a seasoned observer, your contributions matter, says Nicole Aronitz with Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta Region. “Through this crowd-sourced effort, each observation helps researchers and conservationists better understand local biodiversity, detect invasive species, and track changes over time, especially in the face of climate change.”
During last year’s event, people submitted over 3,260 photos of different plants and animals across Alberta. Since the Big Backyard BioBlitz started, over 193,000 observations have been submitted by those taking part, documenting upwards of 8,600 species.
The NCC says the data collected helps contribute to conservation planning, protecting species, and monitoring ecosystems.
“It is inspiring to see people of all ages generously volunteer their time, and rediscover the wonders of the natural world, often right outside their door,” says Tina Watters, with the NCC in Alberta. “By taking part in the BioBlitz, you’re not only having fun and learning something new, but you’re actively contributing to a national effort to better understand and protect biodiversity.”
Sign-up can be done at the official Big Backyard BioBlitz website.
Participants are also encouraged to share what they capture on social media, using the hashtag #NCCBioBlitz.
